HYDERABAD: Panchayat Raj minister KTR urged the MLAs and MLCs to chip in with a major chunk of constituency development funds (CDF) to quench the thirst of rural TS, which is reeling under severe drought.
The State Assembly on Wednesday took up a discussion on drought situation prevailing in the state. Responding to various suggestions given by opposition members, KTR urged the MLAs and MLCs to support efforts to supply drinking water to the people in their constituency. “The funds to MLAs and MLCs have been raised to `3 crore per year. There are 160 MLAs and MLCs in the state which means we have `480 crore with you. You can utilise the same to provide drinking water to people,” he said.
Responding to this, some members suggested that the `25 crore SDF with ministers also be utilised for the same as the situation is grim. Rama Rao then said even the SDF available with CM will be utilised to provide drinking water to the public.
Responding to the demand to open fodder centres to provide fodder to the livestock in view of severe shortage of fodder, agriculture minister Pocharam Srinivas Reddy said he will look into it with the Chief Minister’s permission.
Earlier, opposition and ruling party members suggested various measures to mitigate the drought situation in the state.
TDP MLA A Revanth Reddy wanted the government to appoint a senior minister and IAS officers as in-charges of each of the 10 districts and make them visit villages to take stock of the situation.